The EXPLORE and PLAN Tests by ACT, Inc. are preparatory tests for high-school students gearing up for the pivotal ACT examination. (ACT is the universally accepted benchmark for college admission.) While EXPLORE targets the 8th and 9th graders (separate norms available for both grades) PLAN is meant for the 10th graders.

EXLORE is a two-hour, multiple-choice test consisting of four 30-minute sections – English: 40 questions, Math: 30 questions, Reading: 30 questions, and Science: 28 questions. Ordered from Act Inc. it is conducted and administered by individual schools or school districts. Each section is scored between 1 and 25 and the average of the four sections yields the composite score. Other vital information included in the score report is:

Percentile scores (percentage of students scoring at or below one’s score) across the US, school/district, and state. This is an indication on where the individual stands at the local, state, and national level.

The predictor component of the EXPLORE Test score report gives an estimated PLAN Test composite score, assuming current personal effort will be maintained. This is a hint on whether the individual is on track to achieve the target score in the ACT Test.

The skills analyzer of the EXPLORE Test score report attempts to clue one in on how to improve.

Below is a list of study resources available to prepare for the EXPLORE Test:

PLAN Test is along similar lines – two-hour, multiple-choice test in four sections – English: 50 questions in 30 minutes, Mathematics: 40 questions in 40 minutes, Reading: 25 questions in 20 minutes, and Science: 30 questions in 25 minutes. This also comprises of other components, which can take around an hour – these are aimed at needs assessment, collecting existing grade info, guidance to career paths, colleges, and scholarships. The ordering and administration processes parallel the EXPLORE Test with the school or school district conducting and administering it. Each section is scored between 1 and 32 and the average of the four section scores is the composite score. Akin to the EXPLORE the PLAN score report also enlightens – the predicted ACT score provides an idea on the individual’s standing with respect to that test, presuming effort holds steady.

Below is a list of study resources available to prepare for the PLAN Test: